#384
Gibbet Hill Grill
Latest Episode
- 9/8/23 | 6:46
About this Episode
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the 500-acre farm-to-table restaurant Gibbet Hill Grill in Massachusetts. Set in an idyllic pastoral location, this is the place to come if you want to get away from the bustle of the city and relax. The menu is inspired by local, seasonal produce, and the wine list offers a fine selection of Old and New World wines. From rich full-bodied reds to creamy whites with notes of ripe pear, peach, and lemon zest, Michaela shares the tasting notes and pairing suggestions that will help you make an informed, and impressive, choice of wine for your guests.
Wines reviewed include:
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2016 Kooyang Estate Chardonnay Victoria, Australia
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2018 Familia Torres “Gran Coronos” Reserva, Spain
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2019 Forlorn Hope Picpoul, Napa Valley
https://gibbethill.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/GHG-Wine-Menu-011523.pdf
Gibbet Hill Grill:
RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!
A podcast where, in each episode, we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I’m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.
Hello Michaela, it’s great to be back together for another episode.
MQ: Hi Robert!
RT: Before we jump in, let’s talk about CorkRules.
We created CorkRules to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well… it can be intimating, and even a little daunting.
Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, or value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.
RT: So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.
RT: Today we are talking about Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton, MA. The definition of farm to table, Gibbet Hill Grill is located on the 500-acre Gibbet Hill Farm and features its own produce farm on site. The incredible views and private dining rooms make Gibbet Hill Grill is a must visit.
Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?
MQ: Much like their dining menu, Gibbet Hill Grill’s wine list takes classic to a new level. Unique selections from both Old and New World, many in half bottle options, jump off the page.
RT: That’s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?
MQ: The first wine that caught my eye was the 2016 Kooyang Estate Chardonnay from Victoria, Australia. This Chardonnay is well balanced with ripe pear, peach, and lemon zest, with minerality, and vanilla on the toasty finish, as this Chardonnay is lightly oaked. The creamy finish makes this wine an excellent companion to dense fish and cream sauces.
RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?
MQ: A red wine that caught my attention was the 2018 Familia Torres ‘Gran Coronos’ Reserva from Penedes in Spain. This blend Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo is a crowd pleaser with notes of ripe blackberries, black cherries, plumb, spice, and white pepper, with smoke and cocoa on the finish. This red is rich and full bodied, and has aged for a minimum of three years with at least 12 months in oak. We know this from the Reserva designation on the label. Consider this bottle as your go-to to pair with richly sauced proteins and pasta.
RT: So Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a “must-try”?
MQ: A must try is a classic Old World grape varietal grown in the New World. Consider the 2019 Forlorn Hope Picpoul from Napa Valley in CA. Picpoul grown predominately in the Rhone Valley of France, also thrives in the Mediterranean climate of Napa. This fresh and crisp white wine features bright acidity, lemon and lime zest, and grapefruit, with notes of herbs such as sage and thyme, with a touch of salinity on the finish. Picpoul is a refreshing aperitif, or to pair with shellfish and light fare.
RT: These are some great calls.
So, you know I’m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?
MQ: Another crowd-pleasing red wine to consider for the table is the 2019 Vignerons de Buxy Mercurey in Brugundy, France. Murcurey is a subregion of Burgundy that produces standout Pinot Noir. This bottle features aromas and flavors of ripe red cherries, and cranberries, balanced with notes of mushroom, earth, and smoke. The firm tannins make this an excellent pairing with pork and lamb.
RT: Ooh, Terrific.
Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind. any other great value wines you’d point us to?
MQ: A must try white wine of excellent quality and value is the 2021 Winzer Krems ‘13’ Gruner Veltliner form Austria. The ‘13’ is for the address of Winzer Krems, one of the top wineries in Austria. This Gruner Veltliner is medium bodied, bright and fresh with notes of white flowers, ripe pear, and thyme, with a mineral finish. Pair this Gruner with shellfish and spicy food.
RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?
MQ: Consider the 2020 Domaine de Clayou Anjou in the Loire Valley of France. Anjou is a subregion within the Loire Valley that produces this standout Cabernet Franc. Clayou is a family run winery established in 1920. This quality/value Cabernet Franc features ripe red cherries, fig, and prune, with notes of lavender, black pepper, olives, and earth. An excellent pairing with savory dishes.
RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?
MQ: Of the many standout selections on Gibbet Hill Grill’s list, one to consider taking your experience to the next level is the 2017 Henschke ‘Mt Edelstone’ Shiraz from the Eden Valley of Australia. This highly sought-after, 98 point rated Shiraz is produced by the Henschke family winery, who have been producing such famed bottles for over 150 years. This single vineyard Shiraz features ripe blackberries, ripe blueberries, and currants, with notes of lavender, licorice, sage, and mint on the lingering finish. Enjoy this stellar Shiraz with all richly sauced proteins and any special occasion.
RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Gibbet Hill Grill’s wine list. I can’t wait to go try them myself.
To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.
If you would like Sam to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: Info@CorkRules.Com or visit our web website where we have a request form available.
We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for and download the CorkRules app for iOS. It makes personalized wine recommendations at over 40K restaurants, allows you to connect with friends and has price transparency. Order wine with confidence.
And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.
Thank you.
End
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